James Ward, Jr.

Jimbo lived. He mastered anything and everything he set his mind to. He was never afraid to try something new or spontaneously jump and go somewhere new. He loved art. He loved music. He loved nature. He enjoyed being out in the woods wandering, camping, hiking, taking in everything the forest had to offer. He relished the small things. A piece of driftwood, a misshaped rock. Watching the trees dance. He saw beauty in that. He appreciated that. He was a painter by trade but in solace his passion was writing and art. He could sing, he could play instruments. He was a dreamer. Ideas and theories galore. Above all the things he loved being a father most. He defined his life on time spent being a father as number one. Coming from a very traditional family where his father worked a lot he knew he wanted to be a very hands-on dad...and that he was. He enjoyed playing make believe, building Legos, and making sure his children knew he was there for them. In essence he was a big kid right along with them. This was the happiest time of his life. A little over a year ago Jimbo started having trouble breathing. It was his heart. Through medications and surgery, it just wasn't going to recover. Jimbo didn't care for too many people in his lifetime but those he did he loved fiercely. We all know he told it like it is. He was passionate with his words and beliefs. On July 11th, 2021, he let go. His heart was tired. He passed peacefully surrounded by his family and listening to his favorite song, Wind of Change by the Scorpions. He is preceded in death by his father James Roy Ward. Left to cherish his memories are his children Jacob Alexander Ward and Morgan Lynn Ward. His mother Ruth Leviner Ward, and many brothers and sisters, nieces and nephews, cousins and friends. If there's anything you could do in his memory, he would want you to be that wind of change. Dream a little bit. Appreciate the wind blowing through trees. Watch them wave and dance. Pick up a rock. Take time to enjoy what life has to offer and enjoy what’s been here all along. Your star didn't burn out. It's only just begun to shine. Forever you will be loved and missed. Rest high on that mountain till we meet again.